Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Richard Goode :: Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 23 & 24

Goode and Orpheus are taking their collective time recording Mozart's piano concertos, which is probably a good thing, in view of the results. Both of these performances, of extremely familiar works, benefit from intense concentration and fresh approaches. Goode appropriately stresses the lyrical side of No. 23, and even essays a bit of mild embellishment in the beautifully played slow movement. No. 24, the famous C-minor concerto, is played with Beethovenian gruffness and power, moving the music into the 19th century. The modesty of Robert Levin's fortepiano recordings seems more like what Mozart expected to hear. But as more forward-looking performances go, these splendid readings are the equal of the much-praised Uchida/Tate versions. Not only is the lack of a conductor no detriment, but the individuality and expressiveness of the orchestral lines here are remarkable. --Leslie Gerber